Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge required to manage and maintain Microsoft Azure cloud services. The certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for managing Azure resources and ensuring that they meet the organization’s business and technical requirements.
To obtain the Azure Administrator Associate certification, candidates must pass the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam. The exam covers topics such as:
- Azure infrastructure and deployment
- Azure storage and networking
- Azure compute and virtual machines
- Azure identity and access management
- Azure monitoring and management
In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also have practical experience with Azure administration and be able to use Azure portal, Azure PowerShell, and Azure CLI.
Once certified, Azure Administrators can perform tasks such as managing Azure subscriptions and resources, implementing and managing storage solutions, configuring and managing virtual networks, and managing Azure Active Directory. This certification demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and maintain Azure cloud services effectively.
Exam Information
| Name: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate | Code AZ-104 |
| Duration 180 Minutes | Format Either multiple-choice or multiple responses |
| Type Associate | Number of Questions 40-60 Questions |
| Passing Score 70-75% | Fee USD 165 |
| Language English Chinese (Simplified) Korean Japanese French Spanish German Portuguese (Brazil) Russian Arabic (Saudi Arabia) Chinese (Traditional) Italian Indonesian (Indonesia) | Validity 2 Years |
| Retake you can reappear in the exam only after 14 days. | Prerequisite None |
| Provider: Microsoft | Is Proctored: Yes |
| Training: optional | Test Center: Pearson Vue, Certiport, online |
Skills measured
- Manage Azure identities and governance (15–20%)
- Implement and manage storage (15–20%)
- Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20–25%)
- Configure and manage virtual networking (20-25%)
- Monitor and maintain Azure resources (10–15%)
Prepare for the Exam
Preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and study plan, you can increase your chances of passing the exam. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare for the exam:
- Understand the exam objectives: The first step in preparing for the exam is to understand the exam objectives. Review the exam description on the Microsoft website to get a better understanding of what the exam covers.
- Create a study plan: Create a study plan that fits your schedule and learning style. The plan should include time for reading study materials, practicing with Azure, and taking practice exams.
- Study the Azure documentation: Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation on Azure services, which is a valuable resource for studying for the exam. Familiarize yourself with the Azure portal, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell.
- Take online courses: Online courses can help you understand the exam objectives and provide a structured approach to learning Azure. Microsoft offers several free and paid courses on Azure, including the official Microsoft Azure Fundamentals course.
- Practice with Azure: Practicing with Azure is crucial to passing the exam. Create an Azure account, set up a virtual machine, and experiment with different Azure services.
- Take practice exams: Taking practice exams can help you identify areas where you need more study. Microsoft provides official practice exams, and there are also many third-party practice exams available.
- Join online communities: Joining online communities such as forums or social media groups can help you learn from others who have taken the exam and share their experiences.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of passing the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam and obtaining your certification.
Book an Exam
To book the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam, follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Certification website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-overview.aspx
- Click on the “Certifications” tab, and select “Azure” from the list of certifications.
- Select the “Azure Administrator Associate” certification, and then click on the “Exam” tab.
- Click on the “Schedule exam” button, which will take you to the Pearson VUE website.
- Follow the instructions to create a Pearson VUE account or log in to an existing account.
- Search for the AZ-104 exam, select a testing center, and choose a date and time that is convenient for you.
- Pay the exam fee using a credit card or other payment method.
Once you have booked your exam, you will receive a confirmation email with the exam details and instructions for the exam day. It is important to arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time, bring a valid government-issued ID, and review the exam policies and procedures beforehand.
